How To Make A Memory Jar (With Free Printable)

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Learn how to make a memory jar as a great alternative to writing a journal. Free printable’s are available to make this an easy DIY for everyone.

A memory jar is the best way to capture the moments taken place during the year which can easily be forgotten.

With a set of printable’s available from year 2018-2022, you are completely set. There is also a blank one to add your own year.

A memory jar instruction sheet is also included if you wish to hand it out as a gift.A couple of years ago, one of my close friends gave me a memory jar for Christmas. She had told me about doing it herself and it sounded like a great idea.

But, life got in the way and I never got around to actually organizing one for my own family.

I had made something similar as a Mother’s day craft where I presented my mum with a little jar filled with all the things that I loved about her. As far as gift’s go, this is probably one of the most treasured one’s she has ever received.

I had also made a Valentine’s day love jar for my husband which I also filled with 10 things I loved about him. Once again it was a great success.

Yet, despite making these love jars for my family, I had never actually made a memory jar. I was therefore thrilled when she gave it to me, and it turned out to be the best Christmas gift.

What could be a better gift than recording and storing memories of your precious family!

Now that we have started our memory jar, we are going to keep it going year after year. If you have been thinking about starting one, don’t delay any longer.

Start your memory jar NOW and keep those memories alive forever.

What Is A Memory Jar?

The concept of a memory jar is incredibly simple.

A memory jar is a way of recording everything that has happened for you and your family in a particular year, and keeping all those memories stored together in a sweet little jar.

I used to write things that happened in my diary. For example, the first time my child walked, or the first word they said. That system can however become quite messy and a memory jar is a great alternative way of keeping all those memories together.

Even though the year has started, it is not to late to start your memory jar for this year.

All you need to do is grab yourself a mason jar, some sticky notes and print off the free printable which I have designed for you.

Secure the printable of the side of the jar with double sided sticky tape and you are done! I have designed two printable’s, so choose the one that you love the most.

Even if you don’t actually get your jar until next week, it really doesn’t matter. The important thing is starting it, and then keeping it going for the whole year.

How Does The Memory Jar Work?

If you wish, you can add a nice ribbon around the jar, but you can make this as decorative or as simple as you wish.

Using some small sticky notes, write down memorable things as they happen during the year and then add them to the jar.

Continue recording your memories throughout the year and then on new years eve or new years day, sit down as a family and read out each of your memories one by one.

This is also a wonderful tradition to start with your family and a great way to have some quality time together at the beginning or end of a year.

It’s amazing how much you would have forgotten throughout the year, and the amount of smiles and laughs that are created when the jar contents are read is worth it’s weight in gold.

One all your memories have been read, collect them together and place them in an envelope to store away safely. Your jar can now be used for a whole new year of memories.

I love how mason jars can be used in such awesome and different ways. For example, a jar to give on Father’s day including lots of different activities that can be enjoyed together. This is a great way of creating memories which can then be added into a memory jar.

The options for this are endless and you are only limited by your own creativity.

What Should I Record In My Memory Jar?

Don’t get too hung up on what you should write down, because the little things are just as good as major events. In fact, the little things are probably more important.

It is very easy to remember major events such as shows you went to see.

However will you remember the time when your two kids were playing beautifully together in their bedroom, and your daughter was practicing her hairdressing skills on her younger brother before school?

(Guess what was happening in our house this morning, and now has it’s little memory stored away nicely in a jar!).

Those are the moments that you easily forget in the hustle or life, and those are the moments that you want to record.

But in case you need a few tips, here are some great ideas for memories that you might like to record.

Daily blessings

Achievements in school, kindy, after school activities

Big moments such as the first tooth lost, first step etc

Things that made you laugh

The best thing that happened at school today (in your kids perspective)

Something you found beautiful in nature

A surprise gift

Compliments you received

A new joke that made you laugh!

Something that happened unexpectedly and made you smile

A Few Tips For Making Your Memory Jar Successful

Let your kids be involved – Don’t stress out about trying to make this neat! If your kids want to write down a memory in their writing, which might not be spelt correctly, then let them. Their writing is a memory in itself!

Keep the jar in view at all times – Remember the saying “out of sight, out of mind”? Well this is especially true with a memory jar. If you place it tucked away in a cupboard, that is exactly where it will stay until the end of the year. You need to keep your memory jar in view, so that you don’t actually have to ‘think’ about going to grab it.

Keep a pen and notes next to the jar – If you don’t have these easily accessible, guess what will happen? Nothing! It might seem like a silly thing, but if you don’t have them handy right away, the effort to go and find a pen will stop that memory right there. Keep the pen in the jar if you wish.

Write a date on the memory – When you add the memory, place a date on it too. This will help with remembering when certain things happened, especially when it might be as important as something like a first tooth lost!

Give The Gift Of A Memory Jar

Do you love the idea of giving your memory jar as a gift? I have made that super easy for you, and I have included a memory jar instruction sheet for you to print.

If you are passing on as a gift, simply print off the instruction sheet and hand it over with the jar. Maybe tie a pretty ribbon around the instruction sheet and pop it in the jar.

It would also be a lovely idea to include a nice pen and a stack of mini notes to help them get started.

This is a great way of helping your friends and family share a wonderful experience together.

Have you ever completed a memory jar? What types of memories did you record?

Add your own great tips in the comments below.

Let’s stay in touch. Don’t forget to sign up to the free printable’s page where you will have access to these printable’s and more. You will also be updated with everything that is happening on the blog.

About Catherine Holt

Catherine Holt is the founder of Smart Party Planning. She is a stay at home mum with a passion for celebrating life’s little moments, with creative yet budget friendly ideas. Catherine often has a camera in hand capturing everyday events and is a self obsessed chocoholic! She loves connecting with other mums on the blog and sharing party planning tips and tricks. Get all the answers to every aspect of party planning with her eBook today! If you want to hold a party with that ‘wow’ factor and have it tailored to the person you’re holding it for then this eBook is for you. Let Catherine take the stress and headache out of organizing your next party or event.

Comments

Hello,
I have now tried numerous times to get the printable for the memory jar, I have read the comments and followed your instructions that it is at the bottom of the page, I do not see anything, I did a search read the post clicked on it, takes me to subscribers page ( I am subscribed) still nothing. What am I missing?

When you click on the link to download the printable, it will take you to a subscribers page. From here you should see everything that is in the free printable library. At this point you will want to scroll down the page until you reach “Christmas Printable’s”

The memory jar printable’s are on the second row under the Christmas Printable’s title, 3rd from the left. You should then see a picture of the memory jar and underneath you will see “view post” and “download”.

Clicking on “view post” will bring you back to this page.

Clicking on “Download” will open up the PDF in a new tab and you can save and print directly from there.

As you are now on the subscriber’s page, you can download ANY of the printable’s you see here. Everything has been placed under titled section to help you navigate what you are looking for.

I hope this helps.

If you are still having trouble or you do not see what I am describing, please shoot me an email at cathspartyblog@gmail.com